Imagine a family member tests positive for COVID-19. You're living in the same house, worried you're next. Researchers in Thailand tested whether taking an antiviral pill called favipiravir for seven days right after that exposure could protect you.
They studied 168 people who were close household contacts of someone with confirmed COVID. Those who took the drug had a lower rate of infection (7.32%) compared to those who got usual care (14.47%). People on the drug also seemed to have fewer symptoms like fever and muscle aches, a higher chance of staying symptom-free, and a delay in when symptoms started if they did get sick.
It's important to note that the main difference in infection rates wasn't statistically significant, meaning we can't be certain it wasn't just due to chance. The study was also open-label, meaning people knew which treatment they were getting, which can sometimes influence results. No one in the study developed severe COVID or needed hospitalization. This was a phase 2/3 trial, so it's an early look at a possible use for this drug, not a final answer.